Center lift



Jan. 21, 1969 H. F. DALGLISH CENTER LIFT Sheet Filed Sept. 15 1966 INVENTOR ATTORNEY f/nea 5R7 F Dam/s11 BY QM H. F DALGLISH Jan. 21, 1969 CENTER LIFT Filed Sept. 15. 1966 Sheet INVENTOR IHI [RT F D/uaz /SH ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,423,120 CENTER LIFT Herbert F. Dalglish, 284 Cherokee Ave., St. Paul, Minn. 55107 Filed Sept. 15, 1966, Ser. No. 584,040 US. Cl. 294-97 Int. Cl. B66c 1/54 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to an improvement in center lift for rolls and the like and deals particularly with a means of handling large rolls of paper, paperboard, foil, plastic or other such materials, as well as well casings, pipe, tubing or other apertured material by engaging the rolls from the center thereof. As this device has been extensively used for rolls of paper and paperboard the device will be described in this connection for such a purpose merely as an example.

Rolls of paper and paperboard are normally supported with the axes of the rolls extending vertically for numerous reasons. :In the first place, the great weight of the rolls creates a tendency for the roll to get out of round if rested upon the periphery of the roll for any :great length of time. Secondly, when the axes of the rolls are vertical, there is no tendency for the roll to move in any direction as would be the case if the axes of the rolls were horizontal. Thirdly, and of most importance, is the fact that the ends of the rolls are parallel, and one roll may be stacked upon the other, sometimes to a height of fifty (50) feet, seventy-five (75) feet, or even greater.

An object of the present invention resides in the provision of a simple and effective device designed to extend into the center of a roll. This may be a cylindrical aperture produced by the mandrel about which the paper is wound if the rolls are coreless, or may be the core of the roll in the event the paper has been wound about a core. The cores are usually made of fiber or cardboard, although metal cores are also used in instances where the widths of the rolls are generally standard. Either the aperture formed by the mandrel, or the interior of the core, is sufiiciently uniform in diameter so that the center lifting device may fit properly in all of the rolls being handled.

A feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a center lift having a tapered lower end to facilitate the dropping of the lift into the center of the roll, and which is provided at its upper end with an eye or loop by means of which the lift may be handled. The shank of the lift is cylindrical and of a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the roll aperture. Means is also provided for limiting the insertion of the device into the roll. laws are provided near the tapered end of the lift which project slightly beyond the periphery of the cylindrical shank or are at least substantially flush with the outer surface of the shank. Means are provided for urging these jaws outwardly and into the roll or the roll core to securely lock the roll to the lift.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a construction of the type described in which the lift includes an outer shell through which the jaws are secured and an inner body supporting the jaws.

3,423,120 Patented Jan. 21, 1969 The loop or eye by means of which the lift is raised is connected to the inner body of the device. As a result, when an upward force is exerted upon the body of the device, the weight of the outer shell, together with any frictional force tending to 'hold the shell from raising, causes the outer shell to remain substantially stationary while the inner body of the device moves upwardly. When this occurs, the jaws are cammed outwardly into the roll or into the roll core, gripping the roll with suflicient force that it can be lifted.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the simplicity of the present device. The present lift may be produced for a small fraction of the cost of the clamptype structure usually used for handling the cores, and is composed of a relatively few movable parts.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the fact that when the roll is lowered to a supporting surface, the reverse action takes place, and the clamping jaws are disengaged.

.The cylindrical inner body of the lift is preferably a substantially solid member of steel or the like which is possessed of considerable weight. When the downward movement of the roll is arrested by the dropping of the roll onto a supporting surface, the weight of the body member tends to slide the body member downwardly relative to the outer shell. The outer shell is prevented from downward movement by a collar secured thereto and engaging the upper surface of the roll. Downward movement of the body member relative to the outer shell causes the locking jaws to be retracted substantially into the outer shell.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a locking means for holding the outer shell and inner body member in a somewhat relatively slidable movement when the jaws are in a retractive position. When this locking means is in place, the entire device may be lifted from the core without causing the clamping jaws from engaging the core. The locking means may be either manually operated or may be operated by other means such as the solenoid or pneumatic means,

A further feature of the present invention resides in the structure of the clamping jaws which engage into the core. These clamping jaws are preferably triangular in cross-section and the grooves or apertures in which they are positioned, are preferably substantially rectangular in section. When in retracted position, the two right angular sides of the jaws engage against the base of the rectangular chamber and an adjoining side wall of the groove, with the outer ends of the clamping jaws projecting slightly from the outer shell. When in projected position, the third side of the triangular jaws which forms the hypotenuse of the triangle swings against the other side of the rectangular chamber, swinging the outer corners of the jaws outwardly into core engaging position. The jaws are normally held retracted, preferably by resilient means extending through the body portion of the device and encircling the grooved center portions of the two jaws.

In the description, a common type of center lift has been shown and described. However, the structure is now, and has been subject to variation. For example, the device shown has been designed for rolls having cylindrical cores or a cylindrical center aperture. The same device has been used for rolls of other materials, as well as for well casings, pipe tubing and other materials having a central aperture or socket into which the center lift may be engaged. Furthermore, the structure has been made of rectangular cross-section as well as circular section. While a structure having four clamping jaws is shown, the number may vary with variations in the peripheral size of the units.

These and other objects and novel features of the present invention will he more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims:

In the drawings forming a part of the specification:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the center lift with the jaws in retracted position.

FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view through the center lift illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of the center lift, the view being taken from right angles to FIGURE 1 of the drawings.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view through the center lift, the position of the section being indicated by the line 4-4 of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating one of the clamping jaws in retracted position.

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5, showing a clamping jaw in extended position.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of one of the clamping jaws.

The center lift is indicated in general by the letter A. In general, the device, including a body portion 10 and including means by which the body portion may be lifted such as an eye 11, and an outer shell 12 which is slidable relative to the body portion 10, and which has a tapered lower end 13 designed to facilitate the insertion of the device into a socket or aperture such as the core of a roll of paper or the like. The structure also includes a clamping jaw arrangement 14 which is designed to connect and disconnect the core lift with relation to the core of a roll of paperboard or the like, and a collar structure 15 which encircles the upper portion of the sleeve or the member 12 for purposes which will he later described.

The hody portion 10 of the structure illustrated includes a substantially cylindrical shank portion 16 having at its upper end an axial internally threaded socket 17 to accommodate the externally threaded shank 19 of the eye 11. A shoulder 20 is provided at the upper end of the shank 19 which is designed to engage against the upper surface of the body portion 16. A loop 21 is provided above the shoulder 20, the loop being designed to accommodate some means of lifting the device, as, for example, the hook of an overhead crane. Alternatively, the body portion 10 may be welded to a boom or lift platform. Thus, only the body portion 10 of the device is directly manipulated in raising or lowering the core lift.

The outer shell or sleeve 12 normally comprises a hollow cylindrical tube which is of sutiiciently larger interior diameter than the exterior diameter of the cylindrical shank 16 to slide easily relative thereto. A tapered plug 13, usually having a rounded lower end 22 is provided with a reduced diameter upper portion 23 which fits snugly into the lower end of the cylindrical sleeve 24. The tapered end 13 is preferably shouldered as indicated at 25 to provide a smooth outer surface connecting the shell or sleeve 12 and the tapered lower end 13. Countersunk bolts 26 or other suitable means are used for connecting the upper end 23 of the tapered lower end member 13 within the lower end of the sleeve 24.

As is indicated in FIGURES 2 and 3 of the drawings, in order to limit axial movement of the body portion 10 relative to the sleeve or shell 12, a slot 27 is provided in the sleeve 24 extending in a direction parallel to the axis thereof. A stop bolt 29 is threaded into the core 16 of the body portion extending in a radial direction thereto. The head 30 of the bolt 29 fits snugly in the slot 27, and the length of the slot 27 thereby regulates the extent of axial movement between the shell and the core. A series of such slots 27 and bolts 29 may be provided in axially spaced relation if desired.

A socket 31 extends axially into the lower end of the shank portion 16 of the body portion 10. As is indicated in FIGURE 4 of the drawings, outwardly of the socket 31, four substantially rectangular sockets 32 extend into the core with the bases 33 of the sockets arranged in parallel planes which intersect the planes of the bases of the other two sockets at right angles. The socket bases 33 are spaced outwardly from the outer periphery of the socket 31. Relatively narrow radially extending slots 34 connect the bases 33 of the slots 32 with the interior of the socket 31. The slots 34 thus connect the lateral central portions of the sockets 32 with the interior of the cylindrical and axial socket 31.

Substantially rectangular window openings 35 are provided in the outer shell 12. These window openings 35 are of substantially equal width to the sockets 32, but are of somewhat less vertical height. The windows 35 are arranged to at all times more or less register with the outer extremities of the sockets 32.

Each of the sockets 32 is provided with a clamping jaw 36 which comprises a generally triangular bar, the structure of which is best illustrated in FIGURE 7 of the drawin'gs. Each bar 36 is of a transverse width substantially equal to the transverse width of the rectangular socket 32 and includes an upper surface 37 and a right angular surface 39, and a third surface 40 which would normally form the hypotenuse of the right triangular cross-section. Actually, the juncture between the surfaces 37 and 40 may be cut off to form slightly bevelled edges 41 to decrease the angle of the apex between these surfaces. Each of the jaws 36 is provided with an intermediate groove 42 which is recessed beneath the surfaces 37 and 40 a distance sufiicient to accommodate a resilient retaining ring 43 which is indicated in FIGURES 5 and 6 of the drawings. This retaining ring is also shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4.

As indicated in these latter figures, each retaining ring 43 acts to connect a pair of opposed jaws 36. Each retaining ring extends through the slots 34 connecting the sockets 32 with the axial socket 31, and around the two opposed jaws 36, being located in the grooves 42 of the two opposed jaws.

As is indicated in FIGURE 5 of the drawings, when the jaws 36 are in their retracted position, the right angular surface 37 of each jaw is resting against the upper surface 45 of each socket 32, the right angular surface 39 of each jaw is against the base surface 33 of the rectangular socket, and the apex 44 between the surfaces 39 and 40 of each jaw is at the juncture between the base surface 33 of the groove and the substantially horizontal surface 46 thereof. When in this position, the apex 47 of each jaw, which is at the juncture between the surfaces 37 and 40-, or more properly at the juncture between the inclined surfaces 41 and the surfaces 37 project slightly through a corresponding window opening 35 in the outer shell 24. When in their other extreme position, as indicated in FIGURE 6 of the drawings, the location of the apex 44 does not change, but the angular surface 40 of each jaw 36 is against the surface 46 of the socket 32, and the apex 47 of each jaw projects a substantially greater distance through the corresponding window opening 35.

In order to hold the body portion 10 of the center lift from axial movement relative to the outer sleeve 12, a locking mechanism is provided, indicated in general by the numeral 15. A collar 49 is secured encircling the upper end of the sleeve 24, the lower edge 50 of the collar 49 serving as an abutment to limit the insertion of the center lift into a roll of paper or the like. A socket or notch 51 is provided in the shank portion 16 of the body portion 10. A plunger 52 is slidable into or out of the notch 51, as regulated by a solenoid 53 or other suitable means. The solenoid 53 may be energized to move the plunger 52 into the socket 51 to lock the members 10, 12 from relative movement. In the arrangement illustrated, a spring 54 normally urges the plunger 52 toward retracted position. The plunger armature 55 may be moved to the left as viewed in FIGURE 2, compressing a spring 56 and urging the plunger into the socket 51 against the compression of the spring 52. Alternatively, the plunger may be normally urged into the socket 51, and the plunger may be retracted by the solenoid 53 to permit relative movement betwen these parts.

The operation of the device is believed obvious. When it is desired to pick up a roll of paper or other apertured or socketed object, the core lifter may be suspended from the hook of a crane or other lifting device, and the core of the roll to be lifted is normally arranged on a vertical axis. The core lifter is lowered into the core 60 of the roll B which is shown in dotted outline in FIGURE 3 of the drawings, until the collar 49 rests upon the surface of the roll B. During this operation the frictional engagement of the sleeve 24 with the core 60, the pull of the resilient jaw retaining members, and the angular position of the jaws tend to hold the jaws in the retracted position.

When an upward force is exerted upon the body portion 10, this body portion slides upwardly relative to the outer shell 12 due to the fact that the two parts are not restrained from relative movement, due to friction which exists between the outer shell and the core, and due to the weight of the shell, the solid point 13, and the collar 50 which are attached to the shell. As the body portion moves upwardly, the apices 47 of the jaws tend to engage or dig into the material forming the core 60. When the upper surfaces 37 of the jaws 32 engage the upper edges of the window openings 35, which are identified by the numeral 61, further relative upward movement of the body portion 10 causes the triangular jaws 36 to pivot about their fulcrum edges 44 toward the extreme position indicated in FIGURE 6 of the drawings. In any event, the weight of the roll 3 causes the inner engagement of the center lift and the core and prevents relative slidable movement therebetween. Obviously, the extent to which the jaws will engage into the core is dependent upon the material forming the core, the weight of the roll B, and similar factors. Rolls weighing thousands of pounds have been effectively handled by the apparatus described.

When the roll is lowered onto a supporting surface, and the upward pull on the eye 11 is relaxed, the body portion 10 slides downwardly within the outer sleeve 12 by gravity. The outer sleeve 12 is restrained from downward movement by the engagement of the shoulder 50 of the collar 49 against the top of the roll B. During this action, the jaws 36 are swung toward the retracted position illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 5 of the drawings both by the resilient connecting member 43 and by engagement of the surfaces 40 of the jaws with the lower edge 62 of each window opening 35. During this operation, the notch 50 in the body portion 10 moves into alignment with the plunger 52.

If it is desired to remove the core lift from the core of the roll, the plunger 52 may be projected into the notch 51 to hold the body portion 10 from relative movement with relation to the outer sleeve 12. When restrained from relative movement, the jaws are held in retracted position and the apparatus may be removed from the core without difficulty.

I claim:

1. A center lift device adapted for use in lifting objects having a hollow core and including:

an elongated body portion having means of one end thereof by which said body portion may be lifted,

a sleeve enclosing a portion of said elongated body portion and slidable relative thereto,

means on said sleeve engageable with the object when the other end of said body portion and a portion of said sleeve are in said core,

jaw means pivotally supported by said elongated body portion,

said sleeve having a. window opening through which said jaw extends,

pivotal movement of said jaw means relative to said body portion swinging said jaw between a retracted position and a projected position,

said jaw means being substantially right triangular in cross-section and being pivotal about the vertex between one of the right angular sides of the triangle and the third side thereof.

2. A center lift device adapted for use in lifting objects having a. hollow core and including:

an elongated body portion having means of one end thereof by which said body portion may be lifted,

a sleeve enclosing a portion of said elongated body portion and slidable relative thereto,

means on said sleeve engageable with the object when the other end of said body portion and a portion of said sleeve are in said core,

jaw means pivotally supported by said elongated body portion,

said sleeve having a window opening through which said jaw extends,

pivotal movement of said jaw means relative to said body portion swinging said jaw between a retracted position and a projected position,

said jaw means in retracted position, normally projecting slightly through said window openings, and

means normally biasing said jaw means toward retracted position.

3. The structure of claim 2 and in which said jaw means is substantially right triangular in cross-section and pivots about the vertex between one of the right angular sides of the triangular and the third side thereof.

4. The structure of claim 3 and in which said jaw means is externally grooved intermediate its ends to accommodate said biasing means.

5. A center lift for use in lifting objects having a hollow core and including:

an elongated body portion having means at one end thereof by which said body portion may be raised and lowered,

a sleeve enclosing the other end of said body portion and slidable relative thereto between predetermined limits,

a pair of opposed substantially rectangular sockets in said body portion inwardly of said sleeve,

a jaw in each of said sockets, the jaws being of similar 'form,

each of said jaws being substantially right triangular in cross-section and including two right angularly arranged surfaces, and a third connecting side,

said sleeve having openings therethrough at least partially registering with said sockets and through which an apex of a corresponding jaw may extend the apex being between one right angular side and said third side,

said right angular sides of said jaws engaging angularly related walls of said rectangular sockets in one angular position thereof, and said third side of said jaw engaging a wall of said groove in another angular position of said jaws.

6. The structure of claim 5 and including resilient means connecting said jaws and urging them toward said one angular position.

7. The structure of claim 5 and in which said sleeve engages said jaws to pivot the same upon relative slidable movement of said body portion and said sleeve.

8. The structure of claim 5 and including locking means for holding said sleeve from movement relative to said body portion.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,662,276 12/1953 Sheaifer 29497 X 3,284,125 11/1966 Blaske 29497 X FOREIGN PATENTS 685,790 1/ 1953 Great Britain.

EVON C. BLUNK, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT D. GUIOD, Assistant Examiner. 

